We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Morgan Ka’Bree Newson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Morgan Ka’Bree, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Attending Spelman College has been pivotal in my journey to making my art and voice effective, even when I am the only black woman in the room. I’ve learned to speak my truth confidently and understand that my work doesn’t always have to define my race or ethnicity. As a black artist, I often feel the need to portray our joy to counter the narrative of “black struggle”. Studying at an all-women’s HBCU allowed me to explore the narratives I wanted to create without needing to prove that I belonged. I had the freedom to delve into different themes within my work, capturing black excellence not to prove worthiness, but to highlight our true essence.
Currently, I’m a media intern with the Morehouse College House of Funk Marching Band. During my junior year, I traveled with them, capturing the essence of black male excellence within the world of music. Initially, I feared I might need to prove my place in a male-dominated space, but I quickly realized the only point I had to prove was my skill with a camera. Being in an environment where I didn’t have to constantly prove my capabilities as a black woman in my art made me comfortable sharing my work in diverse spaces. I also focused on capturing their talents and skills, rather than solely focusing on their identity as black men. Although my work will always highlight black excellence, I’ve learned how to engage in deeper storytelling without feeling the pressure to solely focus on race or ethnicity. My photography has evolved beyond proving my capabilities as a black artist to simply sharing the stories and narratives of those around me, looking beyond race.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a senior at Spelman College, majoring in Art with a strong background in business and strategic communications. My passion for photography led me to launch K’aBree’s Photography in 2019. The most thrilling aspect of my work is witnessing the joy and emotion in people’s reactions to my photos. I believe each photo narrates a story, allowing us to relive moments that might otherwise fade from memory. Capturing the band members has been particularly special, as these photos document some of the most memorable experiences of their college lives and the legacy they’ll leave at Morehouse.
As I near the completion of my journey at Spelman College, my aspiration for my photography business is to open a museum in Los Angeles. This space will not only feature my work but also highlight the creations of other local artists. My overarching goal is to provide the youth in L.A. with a platform to explore their creativity and share the knowledge I’ve gained, inspiring them to pursue higher education and careers in the arts.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I can confidently say that having a passion for your work, being open to constructive criticism, and embracing collaboration have been the most impactful qualities. These elements are essential for growth as an artist and often coexist. For those early in their journey, I advise always having faith and believing that your voice and story matter. My faith in God and my relationship with Jesus have been my foundation, keeping me positive during creative blocks and uncertain times. It’s important to understand that your path can change, and while this can be challenging, trust that God will provide a way for you to grow in your art. Always maintain an open mindset, step out of your comfort zone, and remember that your work is about the story you want to tell, not just how others perceive it.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Throughout my journey as a college student and photographer, the most impactful thing my parents have done is support me unconditionally. As a first-generation college student, I felt nervous about choosing a major and the pressure to ensure a successful career. I decided to major in Art just a few months before submitting my college applications. My career aspirations evolved over time—from wanting to be a teacher in elementary school to aspiring to be the President of the United States in middle school. In high school, I aimed to become a neonatal nurse until a Strategic Communications course reignited my passion for business and sparked my interest in marketing. Throughout all these changes, my parents remained my biggest supporters, never pressuring me to follow a career path they preferred. Their unwavering support has enabled me to pursue my passions in photography, community service, and digital media. This journey has led me to obtain a degree from Spelman in the Spring of 2025 and secure internships with UCLA Health’s Marketing Department, Morehouse College House of Funk Marching Band, Girls Club of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Non-Profit Foundation during my college years. My parents’ belief in my success, regardless of the career path I chose, has been a cornerstone of my achievements. Their understanding and encouragement have empowered me to pursue a career where I am truly doing what I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kabreesphotography.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kabrees.photography/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA%3D%3D
Image Credits
Cover Photo – @ amyas.productions
Additional Images – @ kabrees.photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
